Boy, 5, refused place at school over long hair

Roberts Road Elementary School make "intolerant" decision in bid to enforce dress code

16/01/2013 12:41 PM

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SIMILAR: Young boy with shoulder length hair

A 5-YEAR-OLD was refused a place at a Texas primary school, because officials allegedly do not approve of his shoulder-length hair.

Roberts Road Elementary School in Hockley said the decision was made in a bid to enforce a strict dress code, which states that pupils’ hair cannot “brush against shirt collars”, reports Newsone.

The child’s mother, Ursula Martin, claimed the schoolboy’s hair has been kept that length for religious reasons and has reportedly accused the school of “intolerance”.

When speaking to Countusin.com she said: “He doesn’t feel like he should have to cut his hair to go to school. And I don’t understand. What does the length of his hair have to do with him being educated?”

The Waller Independent School District, who say they want to reach a “happy medium” between the two parties, said in a statement: “The principal of each campus shall apply the grooming code and make all final decisions regarding what is acceptable and appropriate, considering the age and activities of the students.”

“Guidelines and administrative decisions regarding appropriate dress will reflect concern for health and safety of students and the influence of specific dress or grooming on the overall educational climate of the school.”